What’s the secret to better health? Exercise. If anything, it’s one of the best things that you can do for your body.
Not only will it help you stay in shape, but it’ll also lower your risk of certain diseases. Given that, it only makes sense to incorporate it into your schedule!
But wait, there’s something else that you want to do as well—stretch. If anything, it’s great for your muscles and joints. The last thing that you would want is for them to tighten, which can cause mobility issues!
Want to learn more about the history of stretching? Curious to know what some of the benefits are? Then you’ll definitely want to read the rest of this post!
The History of Stretching
Stretching is an instinctive action—we all do it. For instance, it’s not uncommon for us to stretch while yawning. It feels good, right?
Given that, it’s not surprising to know that the Roman empire used stretching as a means to keep their soldiers in shape. However, it wasn’t until the end of the 18th century that stretching was officially documented in an osteological study.
Why Should You Stretch?: 4 Benefits That It Has on the Body
Stretching has several beneficial effects on the body. Here are a few reasons why you might want to get started!
1. It Increases Your Range of Motion
What is the range of motion? It refers to how far you can move your joint in different directions. Ideally, you want to improve it so that you can move freely without pain.
What’s the best way to do that? By stretching. Don’t just stretch for few seconds and call it a day, though. You’ll have to stretch on a regular basis to see results.
2. It Increases Blood Flow
Stretching increases blood flow, which improves your circulation. In other words, your blood vessels will be able to work more efficiently, which will bring more oxygen to the muscles.
Ultimately, what that means, is that you’ll be less likely to experience muscle soreness after a workout. Chances are, your recovery time will also be reduced.
3. It Prevents Back Pain
Tight muscles can result in back pain. Not to mention that it can decrease your range of motion. When that happens, you’re also more likely to strain your back.
By stretching regularly, you’ll be able to strengthen your back muscles, which will reduce the likelihood of strains in the future. On top of that, it can help heal existing injuries.
4. It Relieves Stress
Our muscles tend to tighten up when we’re stressed. As you can imagine, that can lead to various problems from back pain to headaches.
Don’t worry, though—you can relieve that tension by stretching. Consider focusing on areas like your neck and shoulders as that’s where most of your stress can go.
The Importance of Stretching
Hopefully, that gives you a better understanding of the history of stretching and the benefits that it has on the body. Remember, you have to stretch regularly in order to see results!
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